Reservoir EngineeringPermeability
Average Permeability for Parallel-Layered Systems Formula
Average Permeability for Parallel-Layered Systems calculates average permeability for parallel-layered systems for permeability workflows in reservoir engineering.
How engineers use this formula
Use this formula when the listed inputs (k1, k2, k3, h1, h2, h3) are known and the assumptions behind the cited permeability relationship match the engineering case being checked.
Assumptions
- Input values are representative for the well, reservoir, fluid, or equipment case being evaluated.
- The declared units match the field-unit constants used in the formula.
- The cited formula applies to the selected petroleum engineering workflow.
Limitations
- The calculation does not replace a full engineering model or operating procedure.
- Accuracy depends on the source correlation, assumptions, input quality, and unit consistency.
Common mistakes
- Mixing unit systems without converting the inputs.
- Using default example values as field recommendations.
- Applying the formula outside the source assumptions.
Default example
Using the default inputs, k_avg equals 155.555556 mD.
k1mD
100
k2mD
150
k3mD
200
h1ft
50
h2ft
60
h3ft
70
Inputs
k1
mDPermeability of Layer 1
k2
mDPermeability of Layer 2
k3
mDPermeability of Layer 3
h1
ftHeight of Layer 1
h2
ftHeight of Layer 2
h3
ftHeight of Layer 3
Outputs
k_avg
mD
Average Permeability for Parallel-Layered Systems
Source and review
reviewedAhmed, T. (2006). Reservoir Engineering Handbook. Elsevier, Page: 237.
Source